The Rift Valley Textile Company (Rivatex) is set to begin mass production of face masks required in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Eldoret-based garment manufacturer said it will be making 5,000 protection masks per day and sell them at fair prices.

Rivatex CEO Prof. Thomas Kurgat said the company is fully committed to supporting the government’s efforts in the fight on Covid-19.

“We support the government in the fight against the coronavirus because it affects Kenya as a nation and the entire world," said Kurgat.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa said the masks will be sold at Sh40 per piece instead of the current market price of about Sh150.

“The government is already in talks with the Rivatex management on how the production will start soon because we urgently require the protection material for medical staff and the public," Jaldesa said.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Kitui Textile Company (Kicotex) will also be producing protective materials.

Kicotex, through Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, this week presented samples of the masks to the Health Ministry, Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) for approval. Governor Ngilu said Kicotec has the capacity to make thousands of masks daily.

On Thursday, CS Kagwe said all commuters using public transport will henceforth be required to wear face masks as part of the measures to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Kenya has so far confirmed 110 cases of the virus, three deaths, and four recoveries.